Welcome to the February Carnival of Natural Parenting: Parenting Essentials This post was written for inclusion in the monthly Carnival of Natural Parenting hosted by Code Name: Mama and Hobo Mama. This month our participants have shared the parenting essentials that they could not live without. Please read to the end to find a list... Continue Reading →
I have intentions of following the Earth based holidays, surprising my family with little gifts in recognition of them. Somehow, after the wondrousness of Yule, January tends to fly by. Imbolc sneaks up on me, and I resign myself to giving Valentine's gifts, instead. This year, however, I'm doing much better. Imbolc did not sneak... Continue Reading →
Amanda Blake Soule and Stephen Soule have opened their home and family to readers in their book, The Rhythm of Family. The book is filled with beautiful photographs, chronicling a year in their lives, as they share with us their slower, more mindful approach to daily life. While the recipes and projects included in the book... Continue Reading →
January's Families Create challenge brought some fantastic cuddly posts from participants. Please take time to read the submissions by our carnival participants: What's the perfect way to snuggle up on a cold winter night? Acacia at Fingerpaint & Superheroes knows the answer: make the perfect soup! Simply decorated jars by children bring warmth and light to... Continue Reading →
The wedding was short. Ultimately, the bride, dressed in white playsilks, was unwilling. She repeatedly signed all done while saying "ah duh." The groom was unfazed by her lack of commitment, seemingly self-absorbed in his LEGO constructions. The officiator tried to hurry the process along, in the vein of The Princess Bride, quickly saying "Man... Continue Reading →
I am a stay at home mom. For many people, that simple statement conjures up their own vision of who I am and what I do. Generally speaking, the idea of a 1950's housewife pops into their head. I know this based on comments made by some of my husband's coworkers and relatives over the... Continue Reading →
I recently read Mariah Bruehl's new book, Playful Learning. The book contains some lovely photographs, and the concept of playful learning in itself, while not a new one, is worth speaking of. Play is an important part of learning, not only for children but also for adults. When we pursue education and learning by choice... Continue Reading →
Please join us for a new monthly blog carnival focusing on families and creativity. Read below for details, both for the February carnival and for upcoming themes - we have a whole year planned! Your co-hosts are Dionna at Code Name: Mama and Mandy at Living Peacefully with Children. So what is the "Families, Create!" Monthly... Continue Reading →
I try to celebrate life with random acts of kindness. Our world sometimes lacks kindness, and a brief random encounter with it can really turn someone's day around. At the least, I would rather live in a world with kindness and caring. As with any altruism, it isn't completely unselfish. Giving to others feels good. By... Continue Reading →
Going gluten free has brought about numerous new flours and starches to our lives, along with large amounts of nuts. My desire for organization was being taunted by all of the little bags tossed on a shelf in our small pantry. I couldn't take it anymore and had to do something about it when January hit.... Continue Reading →
living peacefully with children 